Rotary internal-combustion engine



J. YE. E. KOLB 2,432,426

ROTARY INTERNAL- COMBUSTION ENGINE Dec. 9, 1947.

Filed May 21, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet l Ill} ffa. Z.

I INVENTOR. [E E. K025 Dec. 9, 1947. J. E. E. KOLB ROTARYINTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE s SHeefs-Sheet 2 Filed May 21, 1945INVENTORI.

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Dec. 9], 1947. KQLB 2,432,426

ROTARY INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed Ma 21; .1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 5'fies. 6.

INVENTOR.

BY wmvbzig Patented Dec. 9, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,432,426ROTARY INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE Joseph E. E. Kolb, West Los A ngeles,Calif. Application May 21, 1945, Serial No. 595,042

This invention relates to internal combustion engines of the type inwhich cylinders are grouped about a common axis, although the'presentarrangement and the theory of operation of the present inventionradically differentiates from the conventional engine of this type.

It is the general object of my invention to provide a simple andeconomical engine of the reciprocating piston type, but having no crankshaft and no dead centers, and wherein the full power of the expandinggases is substantially evenly applied to effect propulsion over theentire range of the power stroke.

To this end, the invention resides in the various combinations and themany important novel features fully set forth in the followingdescription, and drawings are hereto annexed in which the underlyingprinciples of the invention are illustrated in the simplest possibleform, in order that the many important features of the invention may bereadily appreciated.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the device of my invention and withportions thereof broken away for the sake of clearness;

Fig. 2 is a substantially corresponding sectional view of the devicetaken on line 22 of Fig. 1, in the direction of the arrow;

Figs. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken on lines 3 and 4, respectively,of Fig. 1, in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is substantially like Fig. 2, but with different portions thereofbroken away in order more clearly to illustrate the valve mechanism ofthe invention;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of the left portion of Fig. 1 and withparts thereof broken away in order to illustrate the interior mechanismthere- Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view of Fig. 6, viewed in direction ofthe arrow 1; and

Fig. 8 is an end view of Fig. 6, and is taken in the direction of thearrow 8.

The structure of my invention, in the simple form illustrated in thedrawings, is of the two cycle type comprising a frame I, in which ashaft 2 is seated to rotate. A hub 3 is shown keyed to this shaft, andthis hub is shaped to support a series of radially directed valvecasings 4, the interior mechanism of which will be described presently.A cylinder 5 extends perpendicularly from the side wall of each of thesecasings to support a piston 6. It is to be noted that, as shown in Fig.1, two valve and cylinder units are shown placed in reverse relationwith- 8 Claims. (Cl. 123 43) in the frame, but that otherwise the twounits maybe exactly alike. Reference to one unit therefore relatesequally to the other.

From the foregoing brief description, it is seen that this assembly,comprising the cylinders, valves in their casings and the hubs 3 onwhich they are mounted, constitute two cylinder units fixed to rotatewith the shaft 2.

A circular frame I is mounted freely to rotate relative to the shaft,and it is shown fitted with radially directed arms i to theouterconcentric ends of which the connecting rods of the pistons 6 arepivotally secured. It is important to note that the center of thisframe, which for convenience hereinafter is referred to as the spider,is placed a distance equal to one-half of the piston stroke above theshaft axis, as indicated at 8 in Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

A gIOoVed disk 9 is secured to the cylinder unit, adjacent the spider I,and it is noticed that a series of studs l0 project from the spider intothe grooves of the lgwer portion of the disk, as it appears in Figs. 1and 2, but rise above the grooves at the upper portion thereof, see alsoFig. 3. The spider is in a manner which will be explained below, heldagainst backward rotation. It follows that the pistons are held by thespider against movement within the cylinders on the power stroke andthat, for this reason, the cylinders are forced to move. In other words,it is found that forward rotation is imparted to the cylinder unit oneach power stroke.

The studs [0 of the spider combine with the grooves of the disk 9 toform means for controlling the relative movements of the spider and thecylinders, that is by limiting the movement of the cylinders relative tothe pistons to the correct power stroke and also gradually to compel thespider to follow the movement of the cylinder unit. But I wish itunderstood that the foregoing merely is illustrative of means forcontrolling the relative movements of the two parts, and may be modifiedto suit the requirements of v modern engineerin practice.

Advance movement of the cylinder unit rela tive to the spider would beimpossible if these two devices were concentrically placed because theywould by the studs in riding in the grooves of the disk becomeinterlocked for movement in the same direction at the same speed. Andsuch movement would be impossible while they remained interlocked. Butbecause the spider center is placed a distance equal to one-half of thepiston stroke away from the axis of the cylinder unit, it is found thatsuch relative movement can be effected, the relative piston-cylinderstroke being completed at the end of one-half revolution of the engineshaft.

As above stated, four cylinder units are mounted on the hub 3 and it isimportant to note that, because the spider axis is set one-half of apiston stroke to one side of the cylinder unit axis, each cylinder isadvanced one-fourth of a piston stroke relative to the next followingpiston, If for instance, as illustrated in Fig. 2', the piston at theleft is at the beginning of the power stroke, it follows that thepiston, in the cylinder unit directly thereabove, is at the middle ofthe power stroke. In the cylinder unit at the right, the piston is atthe end of its power stroke and in the bottom cylinder unit the pistonis at the middle of its return stroke. 7

From the foregoing brief description, it is seen that each relativecylinder-piston stroke is completed during each one-half revolution ofthe cylinder unit and, as four cylinders are embodied in the simple formillustrated, that the impulses are substantially continuous, each newimpulse commencing before the preceding one is completed. And, ofcourse. where more than four cylinders are grouped about the hub 3, oradditional cylinder units are placed side by side on the shaft 2, and indifferent angular relation to each other, as indicated in Fig. 1, it isseen that uniform force may be continuously applied to rotate the shaft,thereby to assure the smooth, vibrationless operation of which theturbine type of engine is known. But, while in the turbine engine, muchof the power applied is wasted in the vanes thereof, no such waste ofpower is present in the device of my invention.

It was above stated that the spider is mounted for rotation relative tothe cylinder unit. This may conveniently be done by extending themachine frame inward to form a hub l2, see Figs. 4 and 6, in theperiphery of which is cut a groove [2 This hub is concentric with thespider, which latter is shown fitted with an annular flange 1 riding onthe hub, and screw studs I3 extend into the groove of the hub tomaintain the spider rotatably fixed in position on the hub. It is to benoted that the hub I2 is concentric with the spider and that it is madewith a concentric shoulder portion into which are sunk recesses 14 of asize to receive balls E5. The latter ride in an internal groove i! ofthe spider, and they are provided for the purpose of preventing backwardrotation thereof. But I wish it understood that this is merelyillustrative of simple means for preventing backlash, and that more"elabcrate device may be substituted in order to make certain that alldanger of backward rotation is eliminated.

In order clearly to illustrate the principle and operation of the valvemechanism and the ignition elements of my invention, I have in Figs. 5,6' and 7 shown a cylindrical valve 20 seated for rotation within eachcasing 5. On the stem of this valve is fastened a gear wheel 2i, whichis in mesh with a toothed rackbar 22, see Figs. 1 and 2. The latter isseated to slide in bearings. 23 of the Valve casings, and a link 24connects this rack with the stud of the spider arms on which the pistonrods are hung. The movements of the cylinder unit relative to the spiderare effective to reciprocate this rackbar and thereby to impartoscillating movement to the valve over an arc of 180 in properly timedrelation to the piston stroke.

An annular flange 26 is shown extending inwardly from the frame hub l2to bear against the side wall of the cylinder unit, see Fig. 6. A fuelintake conduit 21 terminates in this flange to communicate with anannular recess 28 in the wall of the cylinder unit, see Fig. 7, andpassages 29 lead from this recess to the valves. In each of the valvesis formed a passage 38 which, when the valve is in the positionindicated at the right, in Fig. 5, registers with a port 3| of thecylinder for fuel mixture to enter the cylinder at the end of the powerstroke. A second port 32 is, at the same time, in registration with anexhaust passage 33.

In order to insure proper scavenging of the cylinder at the end of thepower stroke, and also so as to provide a suificient supply of freshfuel therein, it is preferable to mount a suitable fan 34- within theintake conduit. As a simple means of illustrating connections forrotating this fan, a gear wheel 35 of the fan is shown in mesh withannular gear teeth 36 cut into the edge of the flange l Illustrative ofsimple means of effecting properly timed ignition of the compressed fuelmixture, the valve 28 is shown recessed at 40 to receive a sparkplug 4!.A passage 42 leads from this recess to the outer surface of the valveand this passage moved into registration with a port 43 of the cylinderat the end of the compression stroke, substantially as indicated at theleft of Fig. 5. A conductor 55 extends through an insulating sleevewithin the valve stem. To the outer end of this conductor is secured acontact head 47 which, at the proper moment, reaches a contact at theend of a conductor 48, and the latter is mounted in and insulated from abracket 49 of the machine frame. Current from a source of energy 50passes through these contacts to the sparkplug, and the latter may begrounded through the cylinder unit and the machine frame.

It is necessary to provide means for adjusting the position of thiscontact for the purpose of advancing or retarding the spark, as may berequired in the operation of the engine. Illustrative of such means Ihave in Fig. 1 shown the conductor 38 seated in an elongated perforationof the bracket 49. Adjustment within this perforation is readileffected, and the conductor is clamped in adjusted position by means ofa thumb nut 5|. I

While I have herein endeavored to describe and illustrate my inventionin simple terms in order to facilitate perusal thereof, I do not wish tobe limited to the exact proportions of parts or the construction orarrangement of the many important features of the invention, but retainthe right to embody, within the scope of the claims hereto appended,such modifications of structure and arrangement as may be necessary inorder to comply with the requirements of modern engineering practice.

I claim:

1. In an internal combustion engine, a stationary support, a shaftrotatable in said support, a frame rigid on said shaft and havingcylindrical valvecasings radially directed from the shaft axis, acylinder on each casing perpendicular to the casing axis, a valverotatable in each casing, means interconnecting said valves forsimultaneous rotation, a spider mounted for rotation in one direction onsaid support and eccentrically encompassing said shaft, pistons in saidcylinders,

rods operatively interconnecting said pistons with the outer ends ofsaid spider, and means controlling movement of said cylinders relativeto the said spider.

2. In an internal combustion engine, a stationary support, a shaftrotatable in said support, a frame rigid on said shaft, cylindricalvalve casings radially extending from said frame, a cylinder on eachcasing perpendicular to the radial axis thereof, a cylindrical valverotatably seated in each casing, means interconnecting said valves forsimultaneous rotation, means controlling rotation of said frame, pistonsin said cylinders, and means interconnecting said pistons with the saidcontrol means.

3. In n internal combustion engine, a stationary support, a shaftrotatable in said support, a frame rigid on said shaft, cylindricalvalve casing radially extending from said frame, a fuel intake conduitto said casings, a cylinder on each casing perpendicular to the radialaxis thereof, a cylindrical valv rotatable in each casing, each valvehaving a passage for fuel from said conduit through the casing to theadjacent cylinder, means interconnecting said valves for simultaneousrotation, pistons in said cylinders, control means on said support, andpiston rods operatively connecting said pistons with the said controlmeans.

4. In an internal combustion engine, a stationary support, a shaftrotatable in said support, a frame rigid on said shaft and having armsradially extending from the shaft axis, a cylinder on each armperpendicular to the radial axis thereof, a spider mounted for rotationin one direction on said support and eccentrically encompassing saidshaft, pistons in said cylinders, rods operatively interconnecting saidpistons with the outer ends of said spider, a grooved disk on thesupport concentric with the shaft, and elements on said spider engagingthe grooves of said disk to control movement of said cylinders relativeto the said spider.

5. In an internal combustion engine, a stationary support, a shaftrotatable in said support, a frame rigid on said shaft and havingcylindrical valve casings radially extending therefrom, a cylinder oneach casing perpendicular to the radial axis thereof, a. valve rotatablein each casing, means interconnecting said valves for simultaneousrotation, a chamber within each valve having a port for communicationwith the adjacent cylinder, a sparkplug in each chamber, an ignitionsystem, and contact means closing said circuit through each of saidsparkplugs as the port of the chamber wherein it is seated reachesposition of communication with the adjacent cylinder.

6. In an internal combustion engine, a stationary support, a hub on saidsupport, a shaft rotatable in said hub, there being an eccentric and anadjacent concentric shoulder on said hub, a frame rigid on the shaft,equidistant cylindrical casings radially extending from said frame, acylinder on each casing perpendicular to the radial axis thereof, aspider rotatable in one direction on said eccentric shoulder, a pistonin each cylinder, a rod operatively connecting said pistons with theouter ends of the spider, a peripherally grooved disk rigid on saidconcentric shoulder, elements of said spider for engagement with thegrooves of said disk to control movement of said frame relative to thespider, valves in said casings, and means interconnecting said valvesfor rotation in timed relation to frame rotations.

7. In an internal combustion engine. a stationary support, a hub on saidsupport, a shaft rotatable in said hub, a frame rigid on said shaft incontact with the end of said hub, equidistant cylindrical casingsradially extending from said frame, a cylinder on each casingperpendicular to the radiai axis thereof, valves in said casings, meansinterconnecting said valves for rotation in timed relation to framerotation, said frame having an annular groove in the face contacting thehub and passages therefrom to each casing, a fuel intake conduitcommunicating with said groove, a valve in each casing having ports forpassing fuel from said conduit through said groove and passages to thecylinders in one position of said valves, a chamber in each valvecommunicating with the adjacent cylinder at a different valve position,an ignition circuit, a sparkplug in each chamber, and contact means forclosing the circuit through each of said sparkplugs when the chamber inwhich it is seated reaches position of communication with the adjacentcylinder.

8. In an internal combustion engine, a, stationary support, a shaftrotatable in said support, a frame rigid on said shaft and havingcylindrical casings radially extending from the frame axis, a cylinderon each casing perpendicular to the radial axis thereof, a spidermounted for rotation in one direction on said support and eccentricallyencompassing said shaft, pistons in said cylinders, rods operativelyinterconnecting said pistons with the outer ends of said spider, valvesrotatable in said casings and having radially extending stems, a gearwheel on each stem, rackbar in mesh with each gear wheel and mounted forreciprocating movement on the casing, and a link interconnecting eachrackbar with the spider ends.

JOSEPH E. E. KOLB.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,292,171 Walk Jan. 21, 19191,367,591 Duncombe Feb. 8, 1921 1,418,875 Laird June 6, 1922 1,572,541Lawrence Feb. 9, 1926 1,823,132 Cunningham Sept. 15, 1931 2,154,370 WolfApr. 11, 1939 2,417,894 Wayland Mar. 25, 1947

